Swallow Louse Fly vs Cluster Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallow Louse Fly | Cluster Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithomya avicularia | Pollenia rudis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Calliphoridae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swallow Louse Fly
A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.
Did You Know?
It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.
Cluster Fly
A medium-sized, dark gray fly with golden-brown hairs on the thorax. In autumn, it gathers in large clusters inside buildings to hibernate, sometimes in the thousands.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this fly are earthworm parasites, burrowing into the worm through its skin and consuming it alive from the inside over several weeks.